Handling Infertility

You have always dreamed of having a child.  You meet the perfect partner, timing seems right or you are prepared to single parent and suddenly you are thrust into the unexpected world of infertility.  A bit dazed and confused, you find you are dealing with what seems like an unending stream of doctors, decisions, and great uncertainty. The anxiety can seem insurmountable and the future uncertain.

And this is where I can help.  As a licensed New York City therapist I dedicate my practice to helping individuals and couples through difficult transitions and infertility is one of my areas of specialties.  Having spent several years as a doula I have an intimate understanding of family dynamics during times of great stress.

So what can you do to help you as you try to get pregnant?

First and foremost talk.  No good can ever come from bottling up your feelings.  Talk to your partner, a trusted confident, or a close family member.  Find a therapist like me who understands this difficult time for you, your relationship, and your body!

Be an educated consumer.  Get a complete understanding of the medications you are taking and how your medical doctor plans to proceed. Talk with your medical professional about timelines, side effects, and costs.  Ask for options and explore alternative therapies.  Through the process of being educated about your options you will discover your emotional and financial limits which will lead to feeling empowered when contemplating difficult decisions.

Leave space for balance in your life.  Yes, you are living in a baby focused world right now, but it is so important for you and your partner to not loose site of one another.  Take time to do something fun together.  This will help to alleviate the stress.  Also take some alone time to do something you enjoy – a hobby, yoga, a walk in Central Park.

Many couples are full of fear and anxiety when walking a path of infertility. I have successfully worked with individuals and couples to help them reframe their attitude to a positive one where they feel they have more control over so many of the variables associated with infertility.